He picked up his fork and poked at his salad. “That’s true.”
“I think it will be a good thing.” I forced myself to take a bite of my hamburger. I needed Gordon’s approval. Mostly because I went back and forth constantly about whether I was making a huge mistake or not. I couldn’t really see any downside, but it was such an unorthodox thing to do it made me feel foolish.
He set his fork down, and his enigmatic gaze held mine. “I have your back no matter what, Seth. I will always be in your corner. I will protect and support you always. Don’t ever doubt that. If this will make you happy, then I’m behind you all the way.”
“That means everything to me.” My eyes stung and I bit my tongue just so I didn’t start blubbering like an idiot. “You’re the best man I’ve ever known, Gordon. I owe you my life.”
He gave a wistful smile. “You are my life, son.”
I clenched my jaw to hold back my emotions. “You better come to the wedding. I don’t know if I can go through with this without you there.”
“Of course I’ll be there, Seth. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“It’s just a civil ceremony and then a dinner afterward for immediate friends and family.” I laughed. “You’ll be playing the role of both for me.”
“I’m just relieved I don’t have to walk you down the aisle or anything.” He grinned.
I sighed, feeling relieved that Gordon wasn’t mad or disappointed in me. “So the wedding is in two weeks. Hopefully you won’t be in China.”
“Wouldn’t matter what my plans were, Seth. I’ll be there. Just tell me where and when.”
“I feel better already, simply from talking to you. Just like always, you make things better.”
He smiled but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. I could sense his concern, but I knew he didn’t want to share that with me. Gordon couldn’t seem to help but try and protect me it seemed.
Chapter Eight
Tanner
Whether Seth was going to be my future husband or not, I couldn’t help feeling nervous as I walked into his shop. I hadn’t planned on being in town for another few days, but oddly I’d wanted to see him sooner. I’d craved his soothing energy. That need to see him made me feel shy and unsure of myself. It was a new and disconcerting thing for me.
Seth wasn’t at the register when I entered his shop. I glanced around wondering where he could be. I didn’t think he’d have left the door unlocked if he was going to give a surfing lesson. I walked down the hallway toward the back of the shop where he often waxed the boards. Sure enough I found him there in the alley, with his back to the door.
My gut clenched at the sight of him with his shirt off and his jeans slug low on his narrow hips. My mouth watered as my gaze ran over his golden sun-kissed skin, his muscles flexing and rippling as he worked on the board. My foot scraped on the ground, and he turned suddenly, looking startled. His face was flushed, and his wary expression made my chest tight. It was moments like these that I suspected he’d had a traumatic past. Usually he was very serene, but every now and then I’d get a glimpse of pure panic, as if he expected the worst was coming for him at any moment.
His expression softened the minute he recognized me. “Hey. I didn’t expect you until Thursday.”
I was so happy he seemed pleased to see me, pleasure flushed through me. “I decided to come to town early.”
“Yeah?” He smiled warmly. “I’m glad.”
I moved closer. “Are you?”
“It’s been a slow day. I think I’ve had two customers. It’s too windy. No one wants to breath sand I guess.” He straightened and set the stick of wax down.
“You should have closed early.”
“I had stuff to keep me busy.”
I glanced at my watch. “It’s almost dinnertime. Can I take you out?”
He grinned. “Like I’d ever turn down a meal?”
My gut fluttered at his pretty smile, and I inched closer. “Man, it’s so good to see you. I feel better already.” I slid my arm around his waist and was pleased when he folded into me. “Did you miss me?”
He nodded. “Yeah. I did.” He leaned in and kissed me gently, his tongue slipping between my lips.
Lust spiked instantly in me, buzzing through my balls and causing my cock to warm and harden. I looped my fingers through his belt and pulled him against me more. His erection pressed my thigh, and he whimpered. During the last few weeks, if I was in town, we fucked. It was our little routine since the day we’d met. I couldn’t manage to keep my hands off him, and it seemed mutual.
